Strong vs. Weak Dollar

A strong dollar makes foreign trips cheaper but hurts U.S. exporters. A weak dollar does the opposite. Here is who wins and who loses in each case, and how the dollar affects commodities and foreign markets.

Winners and losers

Strong dollarWeak dollar
U.S. travelers abroadWin: trips cost lessLose: trips cost more
U.S. exportersLose: goods pricier overseasWin: goods cheaper overseas
U.S. multinationals’ profitsOften reducedOften boosted
Imported goodsCheaperPricier, adding to inflation
Foreign stocks for U.S. investorsReturns reducedReturns boosted

General tendencies; many other factors matter.

Unlock all of Investing School

The rest of this lesson, its chart examples and quiz are part of Investing School. Start free with Stock Market Fundamentals and the first lesson in every category.